When Dan Weekes learns that his mother is engaged, he is shocked but not too worried. After all she has dated almost every guy in the state and eventuWhen Dan Weekes learns that his mother is engaged, he is shocked but not too worried. After all she has dated almost every guy in the state and eventually they all reveal themselves to be the losers they are. But somehow this new guy Hank seems to be sticking around. When his mother decides to send Dan and Hank on a survivalist camping trip to bond, Dan and his best friend Charlie conspire to expose Hank for the ignoramus he must surely be and much laughter ensues.

This book is powered by vomit and diarrhea. If readers are not into that kind of humor then this title is definitely not for them. There are not any deep issues explored in this book, and it is a fast paced tale full of poorly thought out, destined to fail hijinks crafted by Dan’s germ-phobic super smart best friend. This book was crafted as a prototypical guys read; it is difficult to imagine it speaking to those with more feminine interests. Penelope, the one prominent female character, is basically a mirror image of Charlie but slightly more socialized and a bit of a pixie dream girl. There is a possible love interest for one of the boys but she is not really a kick ass female character. The portrayal of Penelope’s mother as a woman just trying to get laid is also unappealing; sexist but not a complete deal breaker. This book is more PG13 than R and will be acceptable for most middle school shelves....more

Boli lives in a beautiful pueblo in a scenic valley outside of Mexico City. Izayoc is an idyllic place where the kids play marbles and businesses areBoli lives in a beautiful pueblo in a scenic valley outside of Mexico City. Izayoc is an idyllic place where the kids play marbles and businesses are family-run, like the bakery owned by Boli’s family. But lately things are not quite right in Izayoc. Shiny black SUVs are rolling through town regularly, the most popular girls are hanging around with new boys, and bodies (or parts of bodies) are being found around town. When Boli’s parents head to the capital city to tell government officials what they have seen and never return, things take a decidedly dark turn. 13-year-old Boli takes it upon himself to solve the mystery of what is messing up his hometown. He enlists the assistance of a sad-sack, B-list luchador along the way and the two set out to become the heroes of their own small corner of the world.

The plot of this book whirls around gangs, drugs, violence, and corruption. And yet it is fundamentally a coming of age story with a sincerely heartfelt protagonist. That Boli loses his innocence seems inevitable given how grim this book is. The realism of the violence and emotional trauma is intense. It is targeted at 12-16 year olds, but the absence of cursing means it could fit in many middle school libraries. Still, the darkness of the subject matter and the sophistication of the treatment means it will also appeal to older teens. Liberal inclusion of Spanish language vocabulary and a glossary at the end are things not often enough seen, though certainly not unexpected from a Mexican author writing for Cinco Puntos Press. Very few people in this book get a happy ending and readers looking for a lighthearted read should choose something else. But for those interested in understanding the effect of the drug wars in Mexico, this book will be a compelling and enlightening read....more

Ryan Quinn, eighth grader has lived all over the world with his parents who have jobs that take them to exotic locations. Now that he’s in middle schoRyan Quinn, eighth grader has lived all over the world with his parents who have jobs that take them to exotic locations. Now that he’s in middle school all he really wants is a “normal” life: live in the United States, eat some fast food, and get to know American kids for a change. Once Ryan’s family moves to New York he thinks he’s gotten all he wished for, but soon he realizes things are not as they seem. As he’s leaving school one afternoon he notices that he’s being followed by a strange man. Thanks to fun spy games his dad taught him while growing up, Ryan deftly shakes his follower, but he soon finds out why he’s being followed. His father, who is supposed to be at a Plastics Convention in Thailand, is reportedly not there, and his mother gets kidnapped, and the kidnappers will only release her when he finds his father. This leaves Ryan the heavy responsibility of finding his father to save his mother. International travel, finding his father without getting caught, and rescuing a teen whistle blower are just a few of the tasks on Ryan’s To Do list. Fortunately, Ryan has new friends at his international school who are willing to help. Action keeps this fast-paced story rolling, while smart teens with good knowledge of international affairs and crafty solutions arrive to save the day. Readers who like the Alex Rider series (Stormbreaker), will love the new Ryan Quinn series. This is the first book in a planned trilogy and it does not disappoint. Like the Alex Rider series, this is a great book to recommend to reluctant readers and readers who love action and adventure. ...more

There is an asteroid hurling towards Earth at 159,000 miles per hour and is set to take out the whole Western seaboard. Seventeen-year-old physics proThere is an asteroid hurling towards Earth at 159,000 miles per hour and is set to take out the whole Western seaboard. Seventeen-year-old physics prodigy Yuri Strelnikov has been sent to Southern California from Russia to work with the NASA team and hopefully come up with a solution to stop and destroy the asteroid.Being a physics prodigy comes with its own set of problems, and for Yuri this is most noticeable in the way he interacts with other teens. So when he meets Dovie and has to navigate being around a beautiful girl, on top of trying to save the world, hilarity and awkwardness ensues. Will Dovie distract him from his mission with Asteroid BR1019? Can Yuri even convince his NASA colleagues that his way is the right way before it is too late?Kennedy has crafted an engaging and humorous novel; Yuri is a likeable character that has to deal with the massive pressure of trying to save the world, while also trying to figure out how to deal with having feelings for Dovie. Readers will be on the edge of their seats waiting to see if Yuri can beat the asteroid, and will be cheering for Yuri as he learns how to be a “normal” American teen. This story will appeal to all teens, and while there is some foul language, it is appropriate for most teen collections. ...more

Will Caynes lives in two worlds. Since his parents’ divorce he spends half his time helping his dad rebuild their run-down house and the other half ofWill Caynes lives in two worlds. Since his parents’ divorce he spends half his time helping his dad rebuild their run-down house and the other half of his time with his mom in a suburban McMansion. At his dad’s house he takes care of himself, hangs out with his friend DeKalb and obsesses about his new younger girlfriend Brandy. His world there is diverse with a black best friend whose dad is a police officer and a white girlfriend with a drug-addicted mother. Meanwhile, at his mother’s house he’s the third wheel to his bratty, younger half-sisters Taylor & Kinney and so he spends much of his time with his best friend Angus. Angus with whom he shares a passionate kiss the summer before senior year. Will is confused by this because he definitely does not think he is gay. But he really likes kissing Angus and fantasizes about doing much more than kissing. He tries to keep his two lives separate, but it’s not that simple and as senior year progresses things move toward an inevitable collision.This book is marketed primarily as a romance that explores sexuality and Will does spend a good portion of the book exploring his sexuality in a typical love triangle. But the story encompasses much more than romance. The family tension between Will’s alcoholic dad with a shambling house and his obsessive mother who holds on too tightly is the center of this story and defines Will’s divided attention. The book covers a lot of territory: family dysfunction, sexuality and sexual identity, social pressure, drinking and drugs, different kinds of friends, financial responsibility and more. And it does so without feeling too crowded. It is not a book for young teens as there is copious swearing, explicit sex scenes, casual use of alcohol and drugs and other mature themes. Moreover all of this is treated in a very straight-forward style. The book is not lyrical or romanticized and cannot be classified as literary fiction. Some readers will be disappointed that a book with such direct writing and clear plot points has an unresolved ending. But the messy combination of protagonists making bad choices and difficult situations addressed but not solved will resonate with other readers. This is an authentic look at how complicated life can be, even for “ordinary” teens....more

Rory is constantly being misunderstood by his teachers and bullied by his classmate Tommy-Lee. Then he turns green and finds himself in a hospital warRory is constantly being misunderstood by his teachers and bullied by his classmate Tommy-Lee. Then he turns green and finds himself in a hospital ward alongside Tommy-Lee, who has also turned green. The doctor tests them every day, but cannot find anything wrong - except their color. In their frustration and boredom, Rory and Tommy-Lee start cooperating and understanding each other better than they ever did at school - in addition to having some very strange nighttime adventures!The strange thinking and adventures of the two boys seemed just about the kind of thing that a certain type of middle school boy will appreciate. It's not always very mature and they don't always make the right connections right away, but the greater understanding, cooperation, and friendship that developed between the two boys was very satisfying....more

Simon Thorn is entering 7th grade. His father is dead, he lives with his uncle and his mother can only visit rarely. He has been talking to animals -Simon Thorn is entering 7th grade. His father is dead, he lives with his uncle and his mother can only visit rarely. He has been talking to animals - mostly pigeons, rats, and his small mouse friend - for about a year and despite recent efforts to be discreet, this habit has kicked up some attention from the local middle school bullies. Then a warning of danger comes from a golden eagle. Very quickly, Simon is thrown into the world of animalgams, transformers of five classes - mammal, bird, fish, reptile, and insect. Among them are a grandfather and grandmother from warring groups, both of whom say they want to protect him, another uncle, and a spoiled twin brother he never knew existed. Simon must find his way through this maze of intentions as he also struggles to understand his own place.This is an enjoyable story even with bullies (who are eventually dealt with), grandparents who are more power-loving than their offspring, and the logical twist at the end regarding Simon's identity. It drives home the importance of telling children where they come from, even their history isn't quite as fantastical as Simon's!...more

The world that Denton Little resides is quite familiar to a millennial; references to pop music and social media abound. But there is one unique diffeThe world that Denton Little resides is quite familiar to a millennial; references to pop music and social media abound. But there is one unique difference. Through AstroThanatoGenetics, a person’s death date can be produced (in America this procedure is mandatory for the safety of everyone) and Denton Little has known his entire life that he will die at the age of seventeen, slightly before high school graduation, on the day of prom. How does somebody live their life with this knowledge? Three days before death, Denton would be described as a best friend, a top student, well liked, athletic (even if small), a dutiful son and a dedicated boyfriend. However, a lot can change from one night to the next. When Denton is introduced to readers he has two days to live and is waking up from a Schnapps induced blackout. While vomiting, he recalls that his girlfriend has broken-up with him, he is no longer a virgin after having sex with his best friend’s sister, a bizarre purple rash with red dots has appeared on his body, and he is late for his funeral. Because funerals now take place the day before death so friends and loved ones can share their feelings and reminisce with the departing.

In a world of angst-ridden teen books this sounds like yet another, but Denton Little’s Deathdate earns a reprieve. First time author Rubin deftly uses short chapter’s and a quick pace to seamlessly intertwine Denton’s typical day with a series of mysterious events: a yellow car trying to run him over (twice!), a peculiar doctor with cryptic information about his mother (who died giving birth to him), and discovering that multiple people he is close to might be spies. In Denton, Rubin has created a bright, inspirational character with a positivity that is almost as contagious as his purple rash. If you enjoy buddy movies, quirky tales, anxious thrill rides, and a positive approach to living this just might be the book you are looking for....more

This is an exceptional collection of stories about guns written by an equally impressive line-up of YA authors. With authors like Walter Dean Myers anThis is an exceptional collection of stories about guns written by an equally impressive line-up of YA authors. With authors like Walter Dean Myers and Joyce Carol Oates, you can expect some intense contemporary fiction stories, and they do deliver. But this collection also delivered stories in a very wide range of other genres. There is a hilarious story about a pair of deer who decide to get a human body guard at the beginning of hunting season. And there is also a lovely historical fiction piece, some fantasy and even a short graphic story about the risks cupid takes upgrading his traditional bow and arrow. Some of the stories are about the big issues of YA literature: gangs, violence, bullying, identity and family dynamics. But others are more specifically about guns and gun culture: hunting, shooting ranges, and soldiers are all here. It's an impressive collection that tackles a big topic from a lot of angles and there will be things in here for lots of kinds of readers. Don’t be surprised if readers pick up the book to read a story by their favorite author and then get pulled into another and another leading to an even deeper exploration of the topic than they had planned for. A very good thing indeed! Because of mature themes, most of these stories are probably best suited to high school and older teens....more

Adam Spencer Ross is a 15 year old with debilitating obsessive compulsive disorder: he counts, he orders, he has issues with doorways. And he attendsAdam Spencer Ross is a 15 year old with debilitating obsessive compulsive disorder: he counts, he orders, he has issues with doorways. And he attends a support group with other teens who all have their own anxiety struggles. It is there that he meets and falls instantly in love with Robyn, the girl he is sure will motivate him to get his life together. But it’s not that simple. Adam’s life is complicated by a mom with hoarding tendencies and a younger half-brother named Sweetie who lives with their dad and throws raging tantrums that only Adam can soothe. With few friends and increasing difficulty managing his symptoms it’s not looking good for Adam. But the support group that meets in 13B may just be his saving grace. Each of them takes a superhero nickname and Adam becomes Batman. Using empathy and this alter-ego he builds strong connections with the other group members, especially beautiful Robyn. So when things start to come apart at the seams for Batman, it is this group of unlikely superheroes that come to his rescue.Books about mental health written for teens are becoming more and more available which is a good thing. It is an especially good thing when they are well-written, engaging stories with interesting characters. This book falls in that category. It is clearly a book about OCD and the parts of the book that deal with Adam’s mental health struggles are fascinating. As a disorder that many teens can relate to on a lesser scale, the realistic and detailed accounts of severe obsession and compulsion will hold readers’ attention as well as inform. But teens will also love that this is a romance and a bit of a mystery. The tension between Batman and Robyn, the drama with Adam’s mother and the mysterious letters she has been receiving, and the camaraderie among teens who are (mostly) friends are all ingredients in any good YA novel. That this one also includes an up-close exploration of mental health issues makes it all the easier to recommend to teens of all ages....more

This is the story of Ariel, the only survivor of an attack on his village, Leonard Fountain, a schizophrenic bomber, an arctic explorer, Max a teenageThis is the story of Ariel, the only survivor of an attack on his village, Leonard Fountain, a schizophrenic bomber, an arctic explorer, Max a teenager with more euphemisms for masturbation than one could believe exist, a reincarnated bionic crow, and a nefarious company: Merrie-Seymour. The story follows Ariel though his experiences post attack, time in a refugee camp and finally as the adoptive brother of Max while they are both doing time in a terrible and kind of creepy summer camp for fat kids though neither one of them is even remotely overweight. It is told in tandem with the movements of Leonard Fountain, (aka the melting man because of all the radioactive material he has in his truck for a dirty bomb) otherwise known as the schizophrenic bomber, and passages from the diary of one man’s failed arctic expedition.It might be hard to imagine but this story does come together albeit in a blender/dirty bomb explosion full of teenage angst and standard teen antics. It is definitely not a book for every reader, especially as the plot is about as nonlinear as it can get. But those readers who do get hooked will love this title. Super funny and quite deranged, the teen characters traverse the evils of male dominated corporate culture and greed. This is the perfect gateway for books like Catch 22 or any title by Vonnegut, though not for younger readers....more

It's not that Ben Fletcher doesn't have friends - it's that the few friends he has keep getting him into trouble. When a scheme they concoct to stealIt's not that Ben Fletcher doesn't have friends - it's that the few friends he has keep getting him into trouble. When a scheme they concoct to steal liquor from a high end grocery store ends up with Ben on probation for running over a crossing guard on his bike things get even harder for Ben. Why? Because part of his probation requires him to take an adult school class and much to his dismay knitting is the best option available. He's super embarrassed about the knitting in spite of (or maybe because of) his great talent for it. Between trying to hide his new hobby from classmates and family, the difficulties he has with his parents, the requirement that he give something back to the grouchy crossing guard he ran over by cleaning out her old shed and the trouble he has relating to girls, Ben's school year becomes hilariously complicated. Will he die of embarrassment or might he just possibly come out the other side a little bit stronger for his trials? Aiming for a mix of ridiculous set ups and angsty teen sincerity, Easton has written a book that is enjoyable if maybe not entirely accessible. Originally published in the UK, this book has a distinctly British feel and the pervasiveness of the British-isms could challenge teen readers who have not encountered them before. And in case you are tempted to put this in the hands of your avid knitter patrons, be warned that a fair number of the knitting references are misleading or inaccurate which could be a turn off for the fanatical crafter. Add to that a dry sense of humor which plays the absurdity off of a straight-man protagonist and this book will be as tough a sell to readers who want big belly laughs as it will be to those wanting a more sentimental read. But for those readers prepared to laugh at how wacky teenage life gets this book will be a treat. It has relatively tame language ("bloody" is about as strong as it gets) and romantic situations are fairly mild. But there are references to underage drinking and fighting so it won't be for everyone. For those who are up for it, though this book delivers plenty of chuckles if not many outright guffaws. ...more

Finn is the heir to a long line of Legend (monster) killers, protecting his town of Darkmouth from the horrid creatures of the "infested side." But heFinn is the heir to a long line of Legend (monster) killers, protecting his town of Darkmouth from the horrid creatures of the "infested side." But he is no good at it. Things will not stop going wrong around him. And yet his dad wants him to finish his training in a year so he can leave Finn in charge of defending Darkmouth while he takes a spot on the Legend Hunter Council. Meanwhile legendary portals start to become more prevalent and a prophecy surfaces about Finn that just might be true.

Hegarty has created a consistent protagonist in Finn who keeps in character most of the time with a few uncharacteristic successes near the end. Those successes, along with his mother and a new friend, help him to realize that he needs to figure some things out for himself. Among those things, he needs to figure out that his father doesn't have all the answers, nor does he always have everything right, good messages for a middle-school audience. Between the title and the ending, readers can expect to see more books about Finn's adventures are on the way....more

In Todd We Trust opens with the Toddlians in a state of panic. Their god, who has previously learned how important his benevolence is to the little soIn Todd We Trust opens with the Toddlians in a state of panic. Their god, who has previously learned how important his benevolence is to the little society that spawned from his severely-under-laundered sock, is increasingly distracted by the types of things middle school boys are usually distracted (or obsessed) by. That’s right; handling burgeoning sexual feelings for the beautiful new girl, bullies with confusing agendas, and figuring out how to get out of physical education keep Todd from paying as much attention to the Toddlians as he should. As a result, the neglected lilliputian civilization has to figure out what their next move is. Do they throw themselves at the feet of their god who has forsaken them or try to find another benefactor?

In this second book of a series, Galveston does an excellent job of harking back to the first novel without rehashing too much for those already familiar or skipping over so much that you feel you missed out if you didn't read By the Grace of Todd. The writing is crisp and characters, though numerous, easy to keep track of. While this may be because of overcharacterization and most personalities are caricatures of themselves and not successfully developed, it works well in a book suited to pre-teens who will be tickled by the chance to read about dirty laundry and carelessly discarded moldy apples spawning antagonistic worms. This series should be an easy sell for middle-grade readers. Some will wrestle with the existential questions of religion, friendships, and serious relationships; others will just get a good kick out of the wild adventures teeny tiny people can experience in a bathtub or battling bugs....more

Nick Pearson is new in the decaying suburban town of Stepton. He and his family came there as part of the Witness Protection program and it’s their laNick Pearson is new in the decaying suburban town of Stepton. He and his family came there as part of the Witness Protection program and it’s their last chance before getting kicked out of the program. Despite his best efforts to lay low he is immediately caught in the middle of serious trouble. On his first day of school he falls for Reya, the super-hot ex-girlfriend of Zach Lynch the school bully which leads to a confrontation in the locker room. He is rescued in the middle of a beating by the school journalist Eli Cruz and the two become friends. But when Eli is found dead in the journalism office, Nick finds himself investigating a high-profile and very dangerous scandal involving the town mayor, the man who controls the drug business in town and possibly even his dad.

This is a fast-paced mystery with some nice features. For one, teens are at the center of the action though it’s the adults that cause the problems. Most of the characters are interestingly complex with strengths and weaknesses and, true to the mystery genre, not everyone is quite what they seem. Some of the secondary characters fall flat but their job is to move the plot along so that can be forgiven. I liked the Witness Protection set-up for the story. There are good reasons for secrecy and for people to stay detached but that doesn’t stop Nick and his dad from having more complicated internal struggles. But perhaps my favorite thing about this book is that the protagonists are people of color in what is otherwise a fairly white town. African American Nick, and Latinos Eli and Reya are all strong characters who are clearly good guys in a sea of white faces where it is hard to know who to trust. While I wouldn’t say this is the best mystery I’ve read or the most eloquent writing, in a time when we need more diverse books for young people I am pleased that I can recommend this one for high school and older teens. There is definitely some harsh language (the very first sentence is “This is how to get your ass kicked.”) and more grown-up themes of drugs, crime, violence and sex make up the plot so definitely keep that in mind as you recommend this to your teens. ...more

Austin Szerba is a Polish Lutheran skateboarder admittedly confused by (and obsessed with) sex, with “predictable and ominous” parents and a dog lackiAustin Szerba is a Polish Lutheran skateboarder admittedly confused by (and obsessed with) sex, with “predictable and ominous” parents and a dog lacking vocal chords. Austin wants nothing more than to document the history of the world, writing at his desk, his dog Ingrid for a footstool. And also to convince his girlfriend, Shann, and best friend, Robby, to have a threesome, even if it happens in the middle of an apocalyptic alien infestation.

After getting beat up by school bullies, Austin and Robby inadvertently release the catalyst (Robby’s blood) that re-animates a horde of genetically engineered, giant, blood-thirsty praying-mantis-like creatures who wreak havoc on the dilapidated town of Ealing, Iowa. Austin, Shann, and Robby discover an underground bunker that holds all the answers to the killer bug invasion, but not to the pressing issues of sex, love, and the interconnectedness of human history. Austin’s narration of historical and personal anecdotes illustrates that all roads intersect, and the paths taken by his ancestor lead to an ominous future. He also grapples with his mutual desire for both genders as he documents the ensuing events while trying to save the human race, noting, “It is my job to notice accurate details, no matter what is going on.”Irreverent, provocative, often vulgar and totally hilarious, Grasshopper Jungle is a sci-fi comedic romp through adolescence recommended for older teens who like Bray’s Going Bovine, Marion’s Warm Bodies, and Alexie’s Absolutely True Diary of a Party-time Indian. The book’s relentless coarse language and graphic imagery may be a deterrent for younger readers....more

The Fall, the seventh installment of British author Robert Muchamore’s action-packed CHERUB series, sees the young heroes risk their lives battling ilThe Fall, the seventh installment of British author Robert Muchamore’s action-packed CHERUB series, sees the young heroes risk their lives battling illegal weapons dealers and pedophiliac human traffickers, while simultaneously negotiating campus bullies, jealous girlfriends, and raging hormones. Muchamore expertly delivers breathless, edge-of-your-seat adventure, lusty yet apprehensive romantic experiences, and kick-butt action in this ongoing saga that gets better with each consecutive title.James and his younger sister, Lauren, rescued from a life of neglect and abuse, were recruited into a secret branch of British Intelligence of child agents, ranked by differently colored t-shirts. Lauren, at 12, has surpassed James in accomplishment and wears the coveted black shirt. In The Fall, James is sent on a mission against Russian illegal weapons dealers, and Lauren is installed as an orphan to expose kidnappers exploiting children as sex workers. The siblings face brutal degradation and violence, and must grapple with the aftermath of their experiences when their mission’s end. Breakneck pacing, vivid characters, and blunt, unembellished prose characterize this highly-recommended title, suggested for fans of Andy McNab, Anthony Horowitz, and James Patterson and a good choice for reluctant readers, although the British slang may confuse some readers. Swearing and references to drinking, sex, and violence are common throughout. ...more

Benny is certain that he understands his brother and what his brother does. Benny knows that his brother Tom is a coward and he resents that Tom allowBenny is certain that he understands his brother and what his brother does. Benny knows that his brother Tom is a coward and he resents that Tom allowed their mom to be turned into a zombie. When Benny is agrees to learn from Tom about his job of zombie hunting he doesn't realize that he will start to understand his brother. The zombies are a background to a wonderful story full of fabulously drawn characters. The relationship between the brothers is complex and will keep the readers interested. The zombie action helps to propel the story along. While this story is long, it will draw readers in with its fantastic cover art....more

In a possible future, Sam Wilson is a computer genius who can hack into most systems. After hacking into a communication network he is identified by HIn a possible future, Sam Wilson is a computer genius who can hack into most systems. After hacking into a communication network he is identified by Homeland Security as someone who could help America. Sam starts work and not long after cyber terrorists attack the department of homeland security. Sam finds that he and a friend are targets of the attack and most go on the run with their coworkers are “brainjacked” into believing that have committed a crime. This fast paced sci-fi story will thrill fans of books such as For the Win, and Epic....more

Mohammed Sami Sabiri is a high school student in upstate New York who has struggled to fit in his whole life. Since his Dad enrolled him in a privateMohammed Sami Sabiri is a high school student in upstate New York who has struggled to fit in his whole life. Since his Dad enrolled him in a private boys’ school where he is the only Muslim, things have only gotten worse for Sami, as he chooses to call himself. But he doesn't realize how bad things can get until the FBI ransacks his home and hauls his father to prison accused of terrorism. In an effort to save his family, Sami risks his own life to find the truth that will set his father free.

Stratton addresses some very important and timely topics in his latest novel. Sami faces bullying at school and struggles with his identity as a Muslim-American. His life is turned upside down by the FBI's accusation of ...more

Ry is lost: his train to summer camp leaves him during a stop, his parents are sailing the Caribbean, his grandfather is injured, and the summer campRy is lost: his train to summer camp leaves him during a stop, his parents are sailing the Caribbean, his grandfather is injured, and the summer camp is canceled. Luckily, Ry meets several kind adults who help him, especially Del, a quiet, capable handy man. As with Perkins’ other books (Newbery winner Criss Cross, Greenwillow, 2005), the characters are stronger than the plot which too often relies on circumstance. Ry is a soft-spoken but intelligent teen, and the adults are not the stereotypes too often found in young adult literature. There are some ink drawings that add interest, especially cartoons of the two dogs that are also lost while out walking with the grandfather. Thoughtful middle schoolers will identify with Ry and enjoy this “road trip” style novel....more

Justin, a sixth grader in New York's tough Red Hook neighborhood, has a lot in common with his best friend, Sean. Both boys are half black and half PuJustin, a sixth grader in New York's tough Red Hook neighborhood, has a lot in common with his best friend, Sean. Both boys are half black and half Puerto Rican, fans of rap, and though neither realize it, both are keeping secrets about their absent fathers. As Sean begins to flounder in school, hang with a tougher crowd, and bully other kids, they grow apart. But when Justin learns Sean's secret he turns to his other friends and adults in his life to help him repair his relationship with Sean.

Author Torrey Maldonado was raised in Red Hook and has created authentic characters who must deal not only with their personal dramas but must navigate violence and crime. Though Sean makes some bad choices, he learns important lessons, and both boys steer clear of drugs and gangs and prove to be good role models for middle school readers. Maldonado imparts advice through his characters that boys need to hear--be yourself and don't put up a front with your friends. Follow this path and many boys will call you "soft and gay," the characters in the book fear, but they learn that always being "hard" leads to trouble.

But this book may not grab the middle school male readers that it targets. Despite a great opening, where Sean shows off his excellent verbal sparring skills with a school troublemaker, the book lacks action. The mystery surrounding Sean's father must carry most of the book and may not hold readers. The publishers seem to want to hide the book from the target audience as well. The book's cover shows a boy who looks much older than the main characters and the synopsis on the jacket never mentions Justin's age....more

Brian gets a summer job as batboy for his favorite professional team. During the summer, not only does the player he most admires – who was suspendedBrian gets a summer job as batboy for his favorite professional team. During the summer, not only does the player he most admires – who was suspended for suspected steroids use – come back to play for the same team, but Brian’s father is back in town. A good solid sports entry- there’s lots of baseball action for fans, but even non-enthusiasts can follow along and enjoy the story. The characters are pretty predictable, as is the denouement, but the ending is nonetheless satisfying and believable. A good entry to any teen collection, whether for older or younger teens. Lupica scores another home run! ...more

Tired of his affiliation with the madmen, a group of students bound together during the school year by their shared visits to the school psychologist,Tired of his affiliation with the madmen, a group of students bound together during the school year by their shared visits to the school psychologist, Karl Shoemaker starts his senior year by deploying operation “be f***ing normal.” Yet try as he may to break from the madmen and distance himself from their shared injustices, he is just too good of a friend. Told over six days in September 1973, tales of the MADMAN underground is an insightful, poignant and funny novel led by the engaging character of Karl. Popular he is not, but he is quirky, caring, and the hardest working high school senior you’ve ever met. Secondary characters, especially Karl’s alcoholic Mom, are equally well developed, and the dialog is concurrently heartbreaking and hilarious. At more than 500 pages, this novel will not fly off the shelves, but any reader looking for a likable, believable hero to root for should run, not walk, to get a copy of this book. ...more

Good grades don't come easy to 16-year old Cody, but he has football to carry him through. That and his girlfriend Clea make up for his difficulties wGood grades don't come easy to 16-year old Cody, but he has football to carry him through. That and his girlfriend Clea make up for his difficulties with school and his Dad. Clea is the smartest girl in school, and one of the richest in their small town of Little Bend, CO. Still, it comes as a shock when Clea's Dad packs her off to an elite boarding school in Vermont - and Clea actually wants to go. One torn ACL later and Cody is back down to nothing. When Clea goes missing after a fall from her horse on school grounds, Cody drops out, then sets out, to help with the search. Author Abrahams has crafted a true page turner, with compelling characters in Cody and Clea. Cody is a very relatable character, bright but surrounded by difficult circumstances which make his actions seem believable. The plot is brisk but engaging, and the chilly setting adds to the suspense. This is a solid choice for teen readers looking for a mystery....more

M The tale of nobody Tyler, whose rebellious prank on the high school campus leads to a dramatic series of events that rock his world. The court-orderM The tale of nobody Tyler, whose rebellious prank on the high school campus leads to a dramatic series of events that rock his world. The court-ordered custodial work he does transforms him into a muscular hunk, and he finds his crush Bethany attracted to him to the point of straying across popular/unpopular clique lines. A rivalry with her brother, Chip; a drunken party that ends badly; and a father both stressed and uncaring all push Tyler nearly to the breaking point. The author (know best for "Speak") skillfully recreates scenarios familiar to many teenagers, including the drama involved in the cafeteria seating arrangements and the love-hate relationships in families as growing teenagers change the dynamic. The dialog and characters are realistic and the action propels the story forward; this is a book that avid teen reader will get through quickly and recommend to their friends. The first-person narration from Tyler's point of view makes the book accessible for boys who are reluctant readers as well....more